Korea coach fails to capitalize on 2nd chance
After failing to take Korea past the group stage in his first FIFA World Cup as head coach in 2014, Hong Myung-bo was given another chance at the 2026 tournament. The 57-year-old tactician, however, couldn't push the squad over the hump this time, either, as Korea took an earlier-than-expected exit at the group stage. Korea's fate was sealed Saturday, the final day of group play at the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. Korea finished third in Group A with three points from a win and two losses. But they still had a chance to progress to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-place teams — a new twist to the expanded tournament now featuring 48 nations, up from 32. When Korea concluded their group stage action Wednesday, they ranked fourth among third-place countries. They needed other results to fall their way over the next few days, but ultimately didn't get enough help to squeak into the knockout round. When the World Cup draw was completed in December, many pundits said Korea ended up in one of the softest groups in the competition without a tradit
